Daily Archives: February 10, 2009

Although Bert Olmstead set a career high in goals with the Chicago Blackhawks, it’s fair to say he enjoyed most of his success with the Montreal Canadiens.

Bert Olmstead

It was a crazy NHL ride for Olmstead, as five of the six original 6 teams had him in their organization at some point (the only team he wasn’t a part of was the Boston Bruins).

The Canadiens owned his rights initially, before trading him to Chicago. After scoring 20 goals in 1949-50, Olmstead was traded to the Detroit Red Wings on Dec. 2, 1950. Seventeen days later, he was traded back to the Montreal Canadiens.

He spent the next eight seasons with the Habs, helping the team win four Cups in those years. While there, he was named to the all-star team twice.

In 1955-56, he scored 70 points in 70 games, and his 56 assists that year was a NHL record for most assists in a season at that time, and once scored eight points in one game. He continued his success in the playoffs, helping the Canadiens win their first of five straight Stanley Cups that spring with 14 points in 10 games.

He won two more Cups before doctors told him he should retire in 1958. He was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs that season, and became a player/assistant coach with the team. Toronto went to the finals three of the next four seasons. He won his fifth Stanley Cup in 1962 as a member of the Leafs.

Bert Olmstead

He was then claimed by the New York Rangers off waivers, but wouldn’t report to the team and demanded a trade. Montreal agreed to trade for him, but nothing could be worked out, so Olmstead retired.